TSAF 2019-2020 grantees

More than a dozen tribes and tribal organizations have been awarded funding for new solar projects from the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund.

“The spirit of self-determination, resilience, and environmental and cultural stewardship is inescapable throughout tribal communities,” said Adam Bad Wound (Lakota), GRID Alternatives vice president of philanthropy and founder of the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund. “Our vision for Indian Country is a transition to energy sovereignty that is educational, entrepreneurial, and completely renewable.”

TSAF 2019-2020 grantees:

The Big Pine Paiute Water Pump Solar Project will install a 32-kW ground-mounted solar system to provide power to the pump at the Tribe’s domestic water well (known as Well #4), which provides potable water to all of the households and community facilities on the entire Reservation.

The Chemehuevi Indian Tribe will install approximately 32 kilowatts of solar to enhance the Tribe’s energy and self-sufficiency goals, reducing their impact on the environment, and improve living conditions by creating job opportunities and reducing energy costs in their low desert region.

Solar Electric Systems for 4 Low-Income Members of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians

Kashia Band of Pomo Indians will install 19.2 kilowatts of solar electricity for 4 low-income tribal members. The project will generate close to $144,000 in cost savings for low-income families and prevent the emission of 274 tons of greenhouse gasses.

Solar Electric Systems for 10 Low-Income Members of the Northern Circle Indian Tribes

The Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority will install approximately 38 kilowatts of solar PV for 10 low-income families of the Manchester Point Arena Band of Pomo Indians, Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians , and Guidiville Indian Rancheria – all member tribes of NCIHA.

Ojo Encino Chapter will install approximately up to 3 kilowatts of solar PV each for 15 families living in the Ojo Encino Chapter of the Navajo Nation. It is estimated that 12 of the systems will be grid-tied. Three systems will be off-grid in order to serve families that are not connected to electricity.

The Pueblo of Picuris Community Solar System Phase II project aligns with GRID Alternatives’ mission to make renewable energy technology and job training accessible with underserved communities. Picuris Pueblo will install a 1MW ground mount single axis tracking array which will provide 2.2 million kWh annually.

Pinoleville Pomo Nation will install approximately 15 kilowatts of solar PV on the rooftop of the tribal youth education facility to provide 10-18% of the total electrical usage of all the tribal governmental buildings.

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians will install a hybrid storage + LP system with 184kW of PV capacity, 150kW/300kWh of batteries, and 44 kilowatts of standby generation designed to achieve four primary objectives.